The FDA gave a big boost to Theranos in July, approving the use of its herpes test outside of a laboratory environment.

That decision offers the potential for the Silicon Valley-based firm to market its herpes test directly to consumers.

Theranos' tests require only a finger prick to draw a few drops of blood for even the most complex disease.

They are inexpensive and usually cost less than half the Medicare reimbursement. More than 100 of its products selling for under $10 are listed on Theranos' website.

Vice President Joe Biden paid tribute to Theranos during a July visit to its production facility in Newark (CA).

The VP said the company is "changing the paradigm of healthcare, according to a report in the Contra Costa Times. "You are empowering people, whether they live in the barrios or a mansion, and allowing them to take control of their healthcare."